Bamboo
The 1950 trade embargo with China included bamboo from the Tonkin Region which is the raw material for bamboo fly rods. With the first generation of fiberglass fishing rods already coming to the open market, traditional bamboo fly rod companies were forced to either change raw materials or simply close up shop. In the decades since, graphite has largely replaced both bamboo and fiberglass due to its low cost and lack of required care. The American public was hooked.
Despite the popularity of graphite fly rods, they have never replaced bamboo fly rods entirely. Anglers who have had the opportunity to cast a quality bamboo fly rod are quickly hooked by the smooth casting and easy loading character they entail, just as anglers have been since the 1800's.
The inherent charm of owning and casting a bamboo fly rod does not stop at it's casting ability, look deeply at this natural material that has been expertly planed and crafted into a work of artful usefulness. While it is a member of the grass family, it has the appearance of a fine hardwood, covered in a smooth and glossy hand dipped finish. Look closely at the fine silk thread that gives the appearance of being painted over hand lapped guide feet and nickel silver hardware.
Each bamboo fly rod begins as a top quality bamboo culm which we receive from our supplier who hand picks each piece on site in China. It is then inspected, split, tempered and planed to tolerances of .001" before being glued into a bamboo fly rod blank.
Each bamboo fly rod is appointed with a natural agate stripping guide set in nickel silver, polished and hand fitted nickel silver ferrules and a nickel silver winding check and reel seat which holds a distinctive wood burl or inlaid wood spacer.
All threads used are the finest Japanese silk, hand wrapped with tedious attention to detail.
Cork handles are turned here in the shop from the finest Portuguese flor grade cork we can get in any profile you like including cigar, western, full-wells, or half-wells. These cork handles are left natural and any pits are not filled with wood glue and cork dust so as to look more authentic.
Each bamboo fly rod comes with hand turned ferrule plugs, a cloth bag and is fitted in a Presentation Grade hardwood hexagonal rod case custom built for the bamboo fly rod to insure your investment will be around for future generations.
Custom monograms, engraving, inlays and thread work is available.
Other than demonstration rods, which we let customers fish, we rarely have bamboo fly rods readily available for sale. Please contact me directly to reserve your spot on our waiting list.
Current Wait time is 60-90 days (as of 11/1/10). Wait times are subject to change, but I can give you an estimate upon placing your order.
Our Address:
Pocatello, ID 83201
By appointment only.
208-240-0028
jason@fallriverrods.com